Loyalist groups agree new protocol on flags

A new protocol on flags has been agreed by loyalist groups linked to the UVF in east Belfast and parts of Co Down.

It says all flags will be legal - and only flown for a limited time.

The fresh commitment comes from the UVF-linked East Belfast Community Initiative.

A new protocol means only legal flags will be flown and that they'll only appear through June until the end of September.

Jamie Bryson, who's involved in the initiative, says there will be no limit on the number of flags put up.

He said: “What the protocol does is it puts parameters on ensuring that displays of flags are within the law and therefore if people want to put up plenty of legal flags then I don’t think anybody should be trying to restrict that or minimise that.

“There’s UVF 1912 flags which are entirely lawful, entirely legal.

"The PSNI have been clear about that so people may erect them flags and they’re entirely entitled to do so, it’s within the law, don’t blame the people, blame the law.”

The SDLP says this isn't the first time promises like this have been made.

Councillor Donal Lyons said: “The statement talks about flags that are deemed legal by the Terrorism Act 2006.

“I struggle to bring to mind any time anyone who’s been putting up flags has been pulled in under that legislation and particularly this sort of attempt at sophistry or being overly clever by having a large UVF flag with a small 1912 written on it and suggesting it’s nothing more than a historical commemoration.”

The new protocol came into effect at midnight and those behind it say it won't be retrospective.

This move could begin to put pressure on other loyalist areas make similar commitments.

The East Belfast Community Initiative says it wants to make a positive cultural expression but there is no doubt reaching overall agreement on flags here is a long way off.